Downtown Visitors Donate to Kawartha Food Share

Peterborough, ON – The 2025 downtown holiday parking program raised $16,627.85 for the Kawartha Food Share through funds generously donated by downtown visitors during the holiday season.  

Sponsored by Wolfe Lawyers, the downtown holiday parking program offered free two-hour parking in all municipal spaces in the downtown core from November 28, 2025 to December 31, 2025. Any funds paid at municipal parking meters, through the HotSpot parking App or at pay-and-display machines were donated to Kawartha Food Share.  

“We’re proud to have sponsored the downtown holiday parking program since 2021 and to continue supporting an initiative that brings people together during the holiday season,” said Bill Wolfe from Wolfe Lawyers. “Seeing the generosity of downtown visitors translate into meaningful support for Kawartha Food Share each year is incredibly rewarding, and we’re pleased to play a small part in helping make the holidays brighter in Peterborough.” 

“Peterborough residents once again showed the true spirit of the holiday season through their generosity,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “By choosing to donate while enjoying free downtown parking, people helped raise vital funds for Kawartha Food Share and supported neighbours in need at a time when it matters most. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously and to our partners who helped make this program such a success.” 

“The downtown holiday parking program demonstrates the incredible impact of community support,” said Town Ward Councillors Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica in a joint statement. “Visitors to the downtown core not only contributed to Kawartha Food Share through their generosity but also helped support local businesses during the busy holiday season. It’s a great example of how coming downtown strengthens both our local economy and our community.” 

Kawartha Food Share assists more than 14,000 people each month through meal programs, housing projects, food cupboards and food banks. In 2025 Kawartha Food Share distributed more than $10 million in food and emergency care needs across the region.  

“We are so appreciative to be the recipients of this amazing campaign again this year and love to see community members shopping and visiting our wonderful downtown restaurants, organizations, and businesses. These funds will allow us to purchase nutritious food items for our member agencies, and help ensure everyone in our community has access to emergency food supports. Thank you so much to the City of Peterborough for their continued support in the fight against hunger,” said Ashlee Aitken, general manager, Kawartha Food Share.  

Since 2003, downtown shoppers have donated $268,255.50 to Kawartha Food Share through the downtown parking program.